2023 ISIB Participant Presentations and Feedback
As a part of the Iowa Summer Institute in Biostatistics, participants have selected their top choices among 9 research projects available to them. They were matched in groups of 3-4 and assigned to a faculty mentor with whom they conduct an extensive research. Their work and findings were presented at the 2023 Iowa Summer Research Symposium.
The 2023 participants’ presentations are listed below along with their comments about the program.
Matira Schwab, Nadine Zayyad and Sam Ingram
Presentation
Predictive Modeling for Body Fat Percentage Based on Anthropometric Measures
Feedback
Matira Schwab: “Overall, I found the program to be very insightful. I learned a lot about a future in biostatistics as well as some techniques used. The project especially was very interesting, and I had a fantastic time working on it alongside my peers and Joe Cavanaugh.”
Nadine Zayyad: “The ISIB program was a transformative experience for me because I found a graduate field that I am passionate about. Thanks to this program I was exposed to the field of biostatistics and conduct exciting research. I learned about opportunities in academia and industry. In my cohort I made lifelong friendships that I am grateful for!”
Sam Ingram: “My experience at ISIB has been incredible. The group project gave me my first experience conducting research, and I couldn’t be more pleased. My mentor, Dr. Cavanaugh, has made sure that the project is truly led and conducted by the students while also ensuring that we follow a structured schedule and don’t lose focus of the project goal. The daily meetings with him and my group members have helped strengthen my ability to work in a cohesive team. The class and lectures have also helped strengthen my statistical background and showed the many career paths one can take with a Biostatistics degree.”
Ashley Birnesser, Zoe Chafouleas and Bryan Salcedo
Presentation
Predicting Time Until Failure Renal Failure for Newly Diagnosed C3G Patients
Feedback
Ashley Birnesser: “ISIB was a very enjoyable and informative experience. I had no clue what biostatistics was coming into the program, and now I feel more prepared to approach future career decisions. My favorite parts were the people I met and the multidisciplinary aspect of the project I was involved in. I am very grateful to program for this summer!”
Zoe Chafouleas: “My summer experience in ISIB was valuable to me as an opportunity for career exploration as a rising senior intending to pursue a graduate PhD program after my undergraduate studies. I gained skills that will help me stand out as a candidate for these programs. Additionally, I could not have asked for a better group of people to spend my summer with.”
Bryan Salcedo: “I really enjoyed learning about the interdisciplinary aspect of mathematics. Also, I appreciate the opportunity to have a talented team and mentor with an interesting project.”
Rachel Watson, Iramir Neto, Hannah Mullins, Andrés Vázquez
Presentation
Why is learning so often difficult to achieve?
Feedback
Rachel Watson: “The many opportunities that ISIB provided for us to explore a career in biostatistics were invaluable. We were exposed to the many career pathways of the alumni and partners of the University of Iowa. Gaining hands-on experience in biostatistical research through our projects was an invaluable experience.”
Iramir Neto: “I have a good program experience. I was able to make good connections with different students and professors. It was a good exposure to a different field of interesting, also it was very helpful to me in order to decide which way I might proceed in the future. The interaction between students and faculty was very friendly and welcoming. I really made me considerer this field for my future.”
Hannah Mullins: “The ISIB program provided a great experience to “test out the waters” of biostatistics, a field I had not heard of prior to this summer. It was very educational about the field of biostatistics and about graduate school, and I appreciated the opportunity to get hands-on experience with students from other colleges and universities.”
Andrés Vázquez: “The experience has been great. The department was very welcoming and friendly. I recommend this experience to anyone interested in Biostatistics. Even if it’s not your major, the program gives ample opportunity to everyone from different concentrations.”
Leah Valentiner, Gretchen Guetzlaff and Shalimar Vargas Grippo
Feedback
Leah Valentiner: “I really enjoyed working on the project and I feel like I learned a lot during that process. I also really enjoyed learning more about grad school and Iowa City! I didn’t find the class quite as enjoyable, but I think that is because it was very similar to a class I had already taken.”
Gretchen Guetzlaff: “I thoroughly enjoyed the ISIB program, and I am so grateful to have had this opportunity. I appreciated that I was able to learn about biostatistics and the many things that you can do within the field, something I wasn’t able to do at my home institution. It’s been wonderful getting to work with the professors here and getting to know my peers within the program!”
Shalimar Vargas Grippo: “ISIB was an experience I’ll never forget; it exposed me to new things like trying different foods, learning to code, activities and making friendships with people from different states. All the talks allowed me to learn different tips that will be valuable when applying to graduate school. Everyone in the program made my summer one full of fond memories. Everything I learn gave me a clearer vision of what I want for my future career to be and how to get there. It is an amazing experience and I recommend to everyone because it will allow you to connect with mentors and people following similar dreams to yours.”
Juleika Torres, Elaina McGovern and Jessica Lee
Statistical Models and Disparity Measures of Annual Incomes in the US
Feedback
Juleika Torres: “I’m grateful I was able to come to ISIB this summer since it was a helpful program to decide the pathways I’m interested in for my future professional career. I had the opportunity to learn advanced statistical methods and was able to apply them to the research we developed over the summer. As well as being able to create new friends and connect with professionals that are invested in influencing and shaping our future.”
Elaina McGovern: “ISIB was such a great introduction to biostatistics and all that it entails. I was able to learn valuable information about potential career paths within the field and about the qualities that I am looking for in a graduate program. From working on our research projects to hearing lectures from faculty and making new friends, ISIB is an experience I will never forget!”
Jessica Lee: “ISIB was an enriching and informative experience, as I uncovered a newfound love for biostatistics and began considering pursuing this field for grad school. I am grateful to have received the opportunity to interact and grow lifelong connections with friends from different backgrounds. Altogether, I loved performing the research process, learning how to use the R software, and making memories with the wonderful staff and students.”
Piper Dean, Kelsey Mulligan and Julián Soto
Presentation
Predicting Outcomes in a Population in Early Recovery from Alcohol Use Disorder
Feedback
Kelsey Mulligan: “I really enjoyed my time during ISIB! It was fun to be exposed to so many facets of biostatistics while also having time to explore a bit of Iowa City. I’m very grateful for the welcoming faculty and all that they taught us during such a short time period.”
Piper Dean: “I really enjoyed my time at ISIB. While I found the classroom portions a bit tedious, the people and the project made it well worth it. I wish the curriculum moved a bit faster and catered slightly more to more advanced topics. Overall, I am content with my experience. “
Julián Soto: “The ISIB program served as a diverse learning experience. Getting me exposed to different topics in math, computer science, and biostatistics. Also, the program served me as a practical experience to prepare me for research.”